Wilbur Larry Chapman, known to family and friends as Larry, a native of Birmingham, Alabama, and a resident of Daphne, Alabama, passed away on Sun., Nov. 1, 2026, at the age of 83.
Larry graduated from West End High School in Birmingham in 1960 and from Auburn University in 1964. He went on to build a long career in industrial sales, representing everything from fire trucks to potato chips, with much of his career devoted to safety equipment. His work took him and his family to Charlotte, North Carolina; Charleston, South Carolina; Savannah, Georgia; and Jacksonville, Florida, before his retirement in 2007.
More than his career, Larry’s life was defined by the people he loved. He shared 60 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Shirley Powell Chapman, and together they built a life centered on family, friendship, and the many places they called home. Larry cherished time with his children and grandchildren and especially enjoyed being surrounded by the people closest to him.
Larry was preceded in death by Shirley; his parents, Wilbur Mahlon Chapman and Mary Alice Chapman; his uncle, Joe Chapman; his aunt, Dixie Chapman; his uncle, Frank Holm; and his aunt, Wynelle Holm.
He is survived by his two children, Scott (Michele) Chapman of Daphne, Alabama, and Susan (Mark) Gentry of Orlando, Florida; his granddaughters, Riley Nicole Chapman, Kerigan Reece Chapman, and Ansley Grace Gentry; and his grandson, Mahlon Thomas Gentry.
A celebration of Larry’s life will be held on Sat., Dec. 12, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Westminster Village, 500 Spanish Fort Blvd., Spanish Fort, Alabama.
Larry always loved a good party and the company of family and friends. So, in the spirit he would have appreciated most, those who knew and loved him are invited to gather, share stories, have a drink, raise a glass, and celebrate a life well lived and a man who will be deeply missed.
Hughes Funeral Home, Daphne, AL, is assisting the family.
